The Aviation Magazine No 52 September-October 2017 | Page 44
I asked Mike about their pilots ‐ where do they come from? Mike explains that the Museum has no need to
recruit pilots. "The pilots find us," stating that they get two to three pilot requests per month. Most of their
volunteer pilots have owned their own war birds and have thousands of hours in "tail draggers." And many
pilots are qualified to fly two to three different planes. The selection process is very rigorous as the pilots
will be entrusted with planes worth upwards of $3 million.
The newest addition to the museum's grounds is a control tower or what the British refer to as a "watch
tower." It was acquired from the Royal Air Force Base Goxhill in North Lincolnshire, England, the first base
turned over to the Americans following Pearl Harbor. Dismantled nine years ago, the tower was brought
over brick by brick and rebuilt. The exterior is 99% complete with plans to renovate the inside within the
next few years. Asking about the funding required to run this huge operation, Mike advises that the Mu‐
seum is funded primarily by Mr. Yagen and his wife, Elaine. Donations, ticket sales and renting the museum
for weddings and other events only pays for the lights and salaries of their seven Museum employees. "It
doesn't pay for a single square foot of land, a single brick or single airplane. Mr. Yagen writes a check every
year," Mike states.
When Mike attended his first board meeting over 2 years ago, the members were discussing what they
needed to do to become a "sustainable, truly community‐based organization," independent of Mr. Yagen's
continual financial support. Mike recalls that he told the Board that he hoped they were able to do that
quickly but advised them "the day you do that, you need to replace me." Mike selflessly explained that he is
a businessman that knows planes but does not know "beans" about running a museum. The Board has taken
Mike's recommendation and has recently hired a new Museum Director with a museum background. Mike
will return to his previous role as a proudly‐passionate volunteer.
With War Birds Over the Beach attendance expected to reach 5,000 visitors this year, Mike looks forward to
showcasing their three newly acquired "can't tell you cause I'd have to kill you" airplanes at this October's
WWI air show. Mike, staring out his window, recalls how just eight short years ago, this site consisted of
nothing but 135 acres of grass, trees and a 2,500 foot crop‐duster airstrip. "Now," Mike gleams "it is a world‐
class collection in a world‐class setting."
I encourage everyone to visit the Military Aviation Museum (Open daily from 9am‐5pm, except Thanksgiving
and Christmas); attend one of their annual air show events; or at least check out their website
(MilitaryAviationMuseum.org) to view great pictures of their war birds. I believe air shows are of great value
‐ to the past, present and future!
Nakajima B5N2 Type 97